Palmyra Palm Plant Care
Borassus madagascariensis Bojer
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This striking plant boasts giant fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 feet in length! Originating from Madagascar, Borassus madagascariensis is highly sought after by plant collectors due to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in tropical climates. Its towering presence and stunning foliage make it a standout addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–95°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Palmyra Palm?
Water Palmyra Palm every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–95°F (18–35°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Palmyra Palm Native To?
What Is the Palmyra Palm?
Palmyra Palm (Borassus madagascariensis) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Borassus genus. Palmyra Palm is native to Madagascar. Palmyra Palm is also known as Toddy Palm, Sugar Palm, Ice Apple.
Palmyra Palm displays a tall, single-stemmed palm growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Palmyra Palm produces large inflorescence with small flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Palmyra Palm?
Borassus madagascariensis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Palmyra Palm Need?
Palmyra Palm thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Palmyra Palm Prefer?
Borassus madagascariensis grows best at temperatures of 65–95°F. Palmyra Palm prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–95°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Palmyra Palm?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Palmyra Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Palmyra Palm?
Feed Palmyra Palm every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Palmyra Palm?
Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Palmyra Palm?
Palmyra Palm can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to palmyra palm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Palmyra Palm Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Palmyra Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Palmyra Palm?
Palmyra Palm is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Palmyra Palm Need?
Palmyra Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Palmyra Palm is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Palmyra Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Palmyra Palm is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Borassus genus — compare its care with other Borassus species on PlantoScan.
Borassus is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Palmyra Palm thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Borassus madagascariensis Bojer, family Arecaceae (first published in Ann. Mus. Colon. Marseille , sér. 3, 1: 61 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Palmyra Palm, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Palmyra Palm Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species